Unearth The Voyage
Arizona’s donut scene is full of surprises. Behind plain storefronts and humble strip-mall locations, you’ll find some of the most delicious, handcrafted donuts in the Southwest. These shops may not look fancy from the outside, but once you taste what they’re making, you’ll understand why locals keep coming back for more.
The Local Donut (Scottsdale)
Clean lines and a minimal exterior might make you walk right past this Scottsdale gem, but that would be a huge mistake. The Local Donut focuses on small-batch dough that’s crafted with care rather than speed.
Their maple-bacon donut delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, while raised donuts have an almost floating texture that reviewers can’t stop talking about. The storefront keeps things simple with just a few outdoor seats, yet loyal fans return again and again for the incredible depth of flavor.
Timing matters here—arrive early in the morning to snag the freshest donuts before they sell out for the day.
Rainbow Donuts (Phoenix)
That bright pink roof and vintage sign catch your attention from the street, but step inside and you’ll find a humble setup that lets the donuts do all the talking. Rainbow Donuts has mastered the classics without any flashy gimmicks or trendy flavors.
Their glazed donuts and apple fritters earn consistent praise for perfect texture and rich flavor that tastes like childhood memories. Locals have been coming here for years, drawn by the reliable quality and straightforward approach.
Pair your apple fritter or glazed with a strong cup of coffee, and you’ll understand why this spot has such a devoted following in the Phoenix area.
Dutch Donut Factory (Mesa)
Tucked into a strip mall you might drive past without a second glance, Dutch Donut Factory proves that location doesn’t determine quality. Serious donut talent hides behind this modest storefront.
Apple fritters, cake donuts—especially the blueberry—and old-fashioned varieties receive special mention from fans who know what good dough should taste like. The ambiance won’t win design awards, but what really matters is the product: crisp edges meet soft interiors with generous fillings in every bite.
This place stands as living proof that you don’t need fancy décor or a prime location to create standout donuts that keep people coming back week after week.
Mochidot Donuts (Phoenix)
Blending Japanese mochi texture with classic American donut tradition sounds risky, but Mochidot pulls it off beautifully. Their chewy, ring-shaped mochi donuts offer something genuinely different in the Arizona donut landscape.
Food-savvy fans regularly make the trip for inventive flavors like matcha or taro that surprise your taste buds in the best way. The storefront keeps things modern yet unpretentious, letting the unique product shine.
Even if you consider yourself a donut purist who sticks to traditional styles, these approachable creations might just change your mind. The texture alone makes them worth trying at least once, though you’ll likely be back for more.
Arizona Donut Co. (Tempe)
At this straightforward shop with its red roof, there’s no attempt to reinvent the wheel—just a commitment to doing the fundamentals extremely well. Arizona Donut Co. has earned its reputation through consistency rather than creativity.
Their apple fritters and buttermilk bars stand out in customer reviews for delivering exactly what you hope for: great flavor and reliable quality every single time. The exterior may look unremarkable as you pull up, but locals who know better make this a regular stop.
Sometimes you just want something classic and satisfying without any surprises, and that’s exactly what this Tempe location delivers with every batch they make.
Outcast Doughnuts (Mesa)
With a slightly more modern twist than your typical neighborhood donut shop, Outcast maintains a fun atmosphere even after dark while keeping that modest local haunt feeling. Creative flavor combinations draw attention from adventurous eaters across the valley.
The shop manages to balance innovation with accessibility, offering donuts that push boundaries without alienating traditionalists. Reviews highlight both the quality and the willingness to experiment with unexpected pairings.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous or simply want a high-quality donut made with care, Outcast delivers on both fronts. The Mesa location has built a strong following among those who appreciate creativity backed by solid baking fundamentals and fresh ingredients.
Best Donuts (South Phoenix)
Heavy advertising? Not here. Best Donuts relies entirely on word-of-mouth and the loyalty of longtime customers who’ve been coming for years. This family-run bakery in South Phoenix does things the old-fashioned way.
Visitors consistently rave about the incredible fluffiness and handmade quality, with some devoted fans lining up well before sunrise to get first pick. The recipes have been passed down through generations, creating donuts that taste like authentic tradition.
Don’t expect Instagram-worthy décor or trendy minimalist design—expect honest, delicious donuts made with genuine care and family pride. Sometimes the best things come without fancy packaging or marketing campaigns behind them.
Star Donuts (Surprise)
Out in the western suburbs of Phoenix, Star Donuts operates with a bright yellow star logo and an unassuming presence that belies the quality inside. The donuts here consistently exceed expectations set by the modest exterior.
Reviews emphasize simple, through-and-through quality: well-crafted glazed varieties, satisfying texture, and that warmth that only comes from fresh baking. Nothing fancy or complicated, just excellent execution of classic donut-making techniques.
If you happen to be in the Surprise area and want a reliable dessert stop that won’t disappoint, this is your place. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re not in the trendy neighborhoods but out where locals know the hidden gems.
